Prisoners like me are barred from the intimate family visits that are a lifeline inside — all for refusing the[…]
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“Corrections officers and medical staff join prisoner’s fight to stay alive | Opinion” by Tariq MaQbool
Tariq MaQbool is the creator and facilitator of the Captive Voices Writing Program at the New Jersey State Prison. He[…]
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“I Write About Bad Prison Conditions. That Doesn’t Mean I Hate All Cops” by Tariq MaQbool
As a kid in Pakistan, police treated Tariq MaQbool like a nephew. As an adult in solitary confinement, the kindness[…]
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“A New Beginning” by Tariq MaQbool
Although, I must admit that some of the songs are pretty good. Anyhow, the main attraction for me is the[…]
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“The Road To Success” by Shawn Robert Johnson
The road to success will inevitably call your bluff With adversities, obstacles, and all kinds of stuff That terrain you[…]
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“Less Like You” by Dawan Ingram
-By Dawan Ingram
You said I was guilty but you lied You say I am heartless yet I cry
You say I am evil yet I do good
![New Jersey State Prison](https://captivevoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/001b6e34-c194-4fcb-ae8c-6dc4925c0131-Prison-1.webp)
After Covid Outbreak at New Jersey State Prison, Prisoners Fear the ‘Dungeon'” by Tariq MaQbool
A COVID-19 outbreak has hit the New Jersey State Prison (NJSP), prompting a facility-wide, 10-day halt of most movement in[…]
![Don't judge a book by it's cover Artwork](https://captivevoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IMG-20220530-WA0006.jpg)
“Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover” by Brandon Cowser
-By Brandon Cowser
I learned about being prejudiced from an early age. I guess it’s a natural occurrence in all walks of life. Now there’s nothing wrong with this act. A person forms an opinion based upon the information obtained over the course of one’s lifetime.
![I am Stuck](https://captivevoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/WhatsApp-Image-2022-03-13-at-6.21.45-PM.jpeg)
STUCK IN A CARDBOARD BOX FOR THREE HOURS
Prison is an unfathomable place for most of us. But for those who are mentally ill, there is a whole[…]
![Big Yard](https://captivevoices.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/WhatsApp-Image-2022-03-13-at-7.40.02-PM-2.jpeg)
BIG YARD : WHERE THE DEAD MEN WALK
The “Big Yard” of the New Jersey State Prison is separated into four quadrants, aptly named “Quad” ‘1 to 4’.[…]